Whale Watching Australia: Where and When to Go

As you search the ocean, you keep anticipating where the leviathan will appear. Then, an explosion of vapour emerges from the pristine blue ocean, only a stone's throw away from the boat. You've now come face to face with one of the biggest creatures that ever lived on Earth.

Can you picture this scene in your head? If you want to turn this picture into reality, you can. When visiting Australia, the Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroos, Uluru, and the Sydney Opera House may come to mind. Yet, another world-class attraction you may need to be aware of is the magnificent whale migration on both coastlines of Australia. Whale watching Australia is among the most dependable, thrilling, and well-managed worldwide.

To find out more about whale watching, keep on reading.

Whale Watching in Australia 

Australia is a haven for cetaceans. Cetaceans are marine mammal order that includes porpoises, dolphins, and whales. Half the world's 90 species reside in or migrate through Australian seas.

The enormous island continent is home to a diverse range of coastal environments that serve as a vital nursery for several whale species and some recently found feeding areas. In Australia, there are several options for whale watching, whether from the air, a boat, or even on land. Some observation platforms are specifically designed for whale watching Australia! Australian seas serve as an important refuge for these endangered species in the southern hemisphere.

Where to Go in Australia for the Best Whale Watching

We will only go through some areas where you can go whale watching in Australia since there are so many, but here are a few of the top whale watching Australia spots where you're almost likely to see a spectacular experience.

• Hervey Bay, Queensland

On Australia's east coast, Hervey Bay was recognised as the world's first whale heritage site. To qualify, a Whale Heritage Site should demonstrate involvement with marine life through music, science, art, education, and other cultural heritage activities. The Hervey Bay Whale Festival, held in July/August, commemorates the arrival of whales and encourages their protection. Every year, around 25,000 Humpback whales traverse the "humpback highway" along Australia's east coast to their feeding grounds in Antarctica.

The proceeds from these tours are utilised to fund scientific research, ocean conservation activities, and children's marine education programmes.

The pattern on the tails of humpback whales is unique to each whale, and the pigments at the rear of the tail (or "fluke") and its trailing edges are unique to each whale. Other cetaceans sighted in the vicinity include:

• The Australian humpback dolphin
• Fake killer whales
• Minke whales
• More southern right whale sightings

With the use of hydrophones, you may even hear whales from a long distance away.

• Whale Watching Bremer Bay, WA

In winter, the rugged south coast of Western Australia between Esperance and Flinders Bay offers a refuge for western populations of southern right whales. Humpback whales passing through on their yearly migration also use this area as a stopover. Beaked whales are prevalent in this diversified environment.

Things heat up when killer whales, who have developed a taste for the Bremer Canyon, reap the benefits of the whale parade and hunt near shore.

• Orca Watching at Bremer Bay

Bremer Canyon, home to a pod of 150 orcas, is a favourite destination for whale watchers. Naturaliste Charters offers an excellent full-day Bremer Canyon Killer Whale Excursion. On board, marine scientists will respond to queries regarding orca behaviour and analyse any interactions with other marine animals. While photographing orcas, pay attention to their eye patches, any markings on their dorsal fin, and their saddle patch.

• Swimming With Whales in Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef

The Ningaloo Coast, located along the Indian Ocean in Western Australia, is a World Heritage Site. Every year, 300 to 500 whale sharks congregate during major coral spawning episodes. Whale sharks are the world's biggest species and are exclusively called "whale" sharks due to their enormous size. Whalesharks & Exmouth Dive Ningaloo is a tour operator that only takes a few people at a time and helps to protect whales and reef reefs. They include whale viewing trips, reef snorkelling, manta ray tours, swimming with whale shark tours, and humpback whale swimming tours.

Corine Mathews' first encounter with a humpback whale stole her breath away, and she felt as if there was nothing else in the world save this ocean behemoth and her. Even if you don't see a whale, listen to humpback whales singing.

What Is the Best Time of Year for Whale Watching in Australia?

Plan your whale watching Australia vacation during migration to get the most out of it. Although you may see a few whales outside of the season, the best time to watch whales is during their migration. Generally, most whales are present in Australian seas from July to November but check out some individual spots below to get the perfect time for each.

You want to avoid arriving at your whale-watching site only to discover that the whales have disappeared!

In Summary

Consequently, to increase your chances of a successful cruise – and to assist you in deciding when to visit – the most excellent places to discover whales in Australia and the best times of year to go whale watching in Australia are listed above. Thus, if you're planning a vacation to a certain place, jump ahead to the right place and make the most of your whale watching Australia experience!